MERSING, Aug 20 — All parties involved in planning the development of the Regimen Gerak Khas (RGK) have been reminded not to alter decisions that have received the consent of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, for the benefit of certain parties.

The Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, said that every plan and development involving the RGK must receive the consent of His Majesty, in his capacity as the Colonel Commandant of the RGK, and be carried out with the utmost trust and responsibility for the security and sovereignty of the nation.

“Whatever has been consented to should not be changed merely because of the interests of certain parties seeking to take advantage of what had previously been well planned.

“As the saying goes, ‘harapkan pagar, pagar makan padi’ (trusting the protector only for them to turn and destroy or steal what they guard),” His Royal Highness said in his speech at the parade held in conjunction with the 61st anniversary of the RGK here today.

The Regent also issued a reprimand regarding matters related to the management of the Ministry of Defence and the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).

“I know who controls the KSU (secretary-general) of the Ministry of Defence. Insya-Allah, we will meet soon. My objective is to solve the ‘cancer’ that should not exist within the MAF,” said His Royal Highness.

Tunku Ismail said the top leadership of the Ministry of Defence, MAF and the Malaysian Army has a responsibility to ensure that the RGK’s requirements, in terms of equipment, weaponry, mobility, technology, support systems and operational assets, are maintained at the highest level.

His Royal Highness said these needs had become increasingly important as the security landscape had become far more complex and unpredictable due to geopolitical changes in the Indo-Pacific, developments in the South China Sea and competition among major powers.

“We cannot be complacent with our existing capabilities. That is why more serious action and attention must be given to the needs of the RGK to ensure they are at the highest level and suited to current and future operational demands,” said Tunku Ismail.

The Regent also urged the government to ensure that all development and procurement processes are carried out based on capability, quality, operational effectiveness and the best value for the RGK.

According to His Royal Highness, every RGK development and procurement plan under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) must be given priority, including taking into account the latest technology, cost-effectiveness, operational suitability and long-term requirements.

Meanwhile, Tunku Ismail said the welfare and career planning of personnel must also be managed transparently and based on merit, with no room for vested interests or favouritism.

“There should be no room for personal interests. A culture of favouritism or considerations not based on merit in determining a member’s future, failures in the system and non-transparent management will have implications for the organisation’s needs,” said His Royal Highness.

The Regent also reminded all RGK personnel to maintain high levels of skills, physical and mental resilience, integrity and loyalty to the King and country in accordance with the Commando Soldier’s Oath.

Tunku Ismail said RGK officers and personnel must always remain at the highest state of readiness, as the unit is the “tip of the spear” in confronting threats to national security. — Bernama